Aston Villa have announced that they have completed the signing of Red Star Belgrade defender Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The West Midlands outfit are currently searching for ways to strengthen their squad in the short term at a time when they are challenging for the Premier League title.
However, head coach Unai Emery and the club's recruitment also have one eye on the future, as shown with the acquisition of Nedeljkovic on a long-term deal.
In his first season of senior football with Red Star, the 18-year-old has emerged as a key player on the right-hand side of the backline.
A total of 18 appearances have been made in all competitions, including four in the Champions League with a 78-minute outing having been made against Manchester City in December.
Signed. Sealed. Delivered. ✍️
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 22, 2024
His level of performance during that contest has seemingly contributed to Villa pushing to get a deal over the line for what is described as an 'undisclosed fee'.
Nevertheless, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that the fee that has been agreed by both clubs is €7.6m (£6.5m).
Rather than immediately challenging for a spot in Emery's squad, the teenager is being allowed to spend the remainder of the campaign in Serbia with his current club.
Red Star currently sit one point adrift of leaders and rivals Partizan Belgrade, as well as nine points clear of the chasing pack.
Villa plan to assess the development of Nedeljkovic - a Serbia Under-19 international - in the summer with the player naturally hoping to challenge for a spot in Premier League games from next season onwards.
Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash have been used at right-back during 2023-24, while Calum Chambers has been told that he is free to leave Villa Park before the end of the January transfer window.
Darren Plant
